Cooking up a storm

Once Upon a Time in an Indian Kitchen,,,

Once upon a time, in a cozy little kitchen in Ujjain, a mother and her young daughter would spend magical evenings together. The smell of cardamom and saffron filled the air as the radio played old Kishore Kumar melodies in the background. The daughter’s laughter echoed as she clanged pots and pans together, pretending to make her own culinary masterpiece.

“Amma, taste this soup I made!” the little one would say, handing over an empty ladle with a dramatic flourish. The mother, playing along, would sip from the ladle, her eyes lighting up. “Ah, perfection! You’re a natural chef, my dear,” she’d exclaim.

Together, they’d chop, stir, and sauté, turning the simplest of ingredients into a feast. The process wasn’t just about food—it was about connection. They talked, giggled, and sometimes danced as they worked, creating not just a meal but a memory.

Years later, the daughter, now grown, reflects on how things have changed. Life has become busier, and convenience is now the order of the day. She recalls an evening when she and her own child sat together with their faces lit by the glow of a phone screen, scrolling through menus of countless cuisines. A few clicks later, dinner arrived at the door, neatly packed and ready to eat.

“Mom, food’s here!” her daughter called out, her excitement palpable. They sat at the table and ate together, sharing stories about their day. It was enjoyable—but something felt different.

The mother realized she missed the joy of creating something together.

What's lost?

1. The intimate bonding of shared tasks and teamwork in the kitchen was no longer a part of their routine.
2. The life lessons—the patience of stirring a pot or the creativity of improvising with ingredients—weren’t being passed on.
3. The connection to the origins of food, the heritage and effort behind each dish, seemed distant.

But she also appreciated the benefits of modern times.

What's gained?

1. Convenience meant she had more time to relax and engage in meaningful conversations with her daughter.
2. The diverse menu options allowed them to explore flavors from around the world, sparking curiosity and conversation.
3. Their meals were tailored to everyone’s preferences, making dinner a harmonious experience.

That night, the mother made a decision. "Let’s cook together this weekend," she said with a smile. “I’ll show you how to make the biryani my mother taught me.” Her daughter’s eyes lit up.

And so, while convenience had its place, they decided to occasionally bring back the magic of their own kitchen adventures, blending the best of both worlds. And in doing so, they kept the spirit of family alive—one meal at a time.

What is your favourite kitchen experience while growing up? Share with us here.